Chinese EV makers expand into France and Tunisia

Chinese electric‑vehicle manufacturers are accelerating their entry into European and North‑African markets. In France, a wave of new Chinese brands—including Xpeng, Zeekr, Jaecoo, Geely’s Zeekr models, BYD, and Denza—has pushed Chinese EVs to about 7 % of the market, with registrations up 23.5 % in the first five months of 2026 compared with 2025. Sales networks are being built in cities such as Aix‑en‑Provence, Paris, Lyon and Rennes, and Xpeng plans to assemble vehicles in Austria to reach 6,600 units this year. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, Auto Hall launched two premium Chinese brands, VOYAH and MHERO. VOYAH offers three models ranging from a fully electric sedan (115,000 DT) to hybrid variants (up to 255,000 DT), while MHERO presents two off‑road hybrids priced between 169,000 DT and 350,000 DT. Both launches aim to meet growing demand for electrified, connected mobility in the Tunisian market.